New Orleans is barring local group from MLK events, NAACP says

As the City of New Orleans prepares to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the head of the local branch of the NAACP is upset with how the celebrations have been planned.

File photoNAACP New Orleans branch President Danatus King

Danatus King, president of the civil rights organization's New Orleans branch, said Thursday that his group usually participates in the city-sponsored MLK march, which is in its 26th year. This year, he asked that the NAACP -- for the first time -- also be included in the ceremony prior to the march.

The request was denied.

WWL-TV reports that King described the denial as an insult to an organization that worked alongside King in the fight for civil rights.

"When you have an organization, the largest and oldest civil rights organization -- an organization that worked hand in hand with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King -- and they are not only overlooked, but they are denied participation, it's not only an insult, but a disrespect," King said.

The commission organizing the celebration said the NAACP's request came too late for inclusion in the opening ceremony, but added that the group was welcome at the MLK parade as well as the other events scheduled to commemorate King's legacy.

"This year he wanted to insist on being in the program and the program was already put together. He came at the last minute," said Rev. Norwood Thompson, chairman of the MLK Celebration Commission. "Hopefully, next year, we can have much more inclusiveness of everybody."

King said the NAACP would likely not participate in the march, creating a divide on a holiday honoring a man who gave his life to bring people together.

"All organizations and citizens are encouraged to participate in the MLK Holiday celebration," said Devona Dolliole, director of communications for Mayor Mitch Landrieu, late Thursday in an emailed response for comment.